Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer could be set for a shock move to Premier League giants Arsenal if mounting speculation in the English press is to be believed.
London’s Daily Mirror reported on Wednesday Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is very keen to bring the Fulham shot stopper to the club after losing faith with Manuel Almunia in the late stages of last season.
The newspaper said the 37-year-old had moved to the top of Arsenal’s hit list with Wenger put off by high prices for his other goalkeeping targets – AZ Alkmaar’s Sergio Romero and Shakhtar Donetsk `keeper Andriy Pyatov.
Schwarzer, who boarded a plane for South Africa with his Australian teammates on Wednesday, has been in career best form for Fulham this season.
His performances helped guide them to the Europa League final and a credible 12th in the Premier League, and along the way he became the first Australian to win a league player-of-the-month award.
He has another year on his contract at Craven Cottage, but Wenger reportedly feels he could sign Schwarzer for a good price because of his age.
Separate reports earlier this month said the Frenchman scouted Schwarzer during Fulham’s final two home games of the season.
The former Middlesbrough keeper said last month he felt as if he could play on into his 40’s.
And the former Middlesbrough gloveman admitted he had no thoughts of retirement as he approached his 38th birthday in October.
“”I want to keep going as long as I can,” he said.
“As long as I’m enjoying it, and able to play at this level, why not?”
It has been reported Wenger could have a transfer fund of 40 million pounds ($A69.6 million) for the upcoming season – more if midfielder Cesc Fabregas is sold.
David
Guest
Arsenal will win the lagueif he joints them.
Football Person 2
Roar Pro
I was right ? I was expecting to be shot down there :)
ItsCalledFootball
Roar Guru
Almunia or Fabianski would start before Schwarzer. Mannone and Szczesny are good young players. He's getting older too. You don't get into the Arsenal first team unless you are French or Spanish.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
I thought Lehman was ok....but that's with the benefit of the hindsight that he wasn't properly replaced.
whiskeymac
Guest
sadly the gunners have not had a good goalie since the unfortunately named Seaman... suspect germans (Lehamn) and spaniards/ poles have not really inspired much. Shwarzer wld provide experience and stability in the position. I dont think, barring injury, that he wld be abench warmer either. Generally the bench warmers are a lot younger for Arsenal.
Towser
Guest
Nothing will shut Klac up.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Arsenals current keepers are poor, Schwarzer would start. This was rumored a few years ago and never happened so I will believe it when I see it but it would make him our highest profile Socceroo. Would shut Klac up that's for sure because not only would that mean Schwarzer wen't to a big club...he would actually have played under that sort of pressure.
Phutbol
Guest
He would be a walk-up starter with their current keeper list. No question.
Football Person 2
Roar Pro
Whose to say he'll be warming benches, im not the biggest EPL watcher but doesn't Arsenals goal keeper kinda suck ? dats wat i heard :)
ItsCalledFootball
Roar Guru
No, Schwarz doesn't need to end his career warming benches at Emirates Stadium, although they would be very nice new benches. He probably wouldn't start as first choice keeper at Arsenal. For regular first team football he should stay at Fulham and then come home to SFC.
Towser
Guest
Good on Schwarzer he deserves it if it comes to fruition. Now we need to produce outfield players that attract the likes of Arsene Wenger.
whiskeymac
Guest
the best club for a socceroo since Kewell at Liverpool (altho in my eyes even better but i am biased). hope there's substance to the conjecture as the Daily Mirror is not exaclty the most believable of journals. next there will be stories of milligan being signed up by Arsenal and Man City and Bayern =)
Phutbol
Guest
Now thats a club befitting of his talents....